“Love your enemies” may be one of the toughest teachings of Jesus. Sometimes to seek the best in those who are opposed to us is possible only through the grace of God. If that’s the case, then today is a good day to pray for that grace!
St. Paul reminds us that we live for the Lord, offering our lives as His ambassadors and sharing the love that we have received through a life of grace.
Our human lives are filled with contrasts: on one hand we are fragile “earthen vessels” that can crack and break; on the other hand, we have been given the treasure of Jesus Christ – who heals, saves and renews our lives.
The Lord invites us to a higher standard as we reconcile our hearts with one another. May we examine our lives today and remove any obstacle that keeps our relationships from growing in God’s grace.
Jesus tells the disciples that he has come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. The Good News is that God is with us! Christ’s saving death and resurrection, followed by the gift of the Holy Spirit, means that we are not alone. May we turn to the Lord every day for the grace and strength we need.
The Lord describes us as Salt and Light, two things that while good in themselves are also precious when shared with others. With salt our food is tasty and preserved; with light we can see and find our way on the journey of life. May we share our lives with one another, giving glory to God for blessings we have received.
A central aspect of the mystery of the Holy Trinity is the sense of communion. Communion can thus serve as a measure showing just how far we have progressed in our journey as disciples. Simply put, are we striving to build unity with one another in all aspects of our lives? Do we foster our connections with the Lord and one another? For in the end, if we are going to enter into Heaven, then we have today to remove the obstacles that keep us from communion.
What if the gift of our lives was not measured by time or money, but rather by the sacrifice in our hearts? That’s the lesson the Lord reveals about the poor widow in the Gospel today.
The first reading and psalm response show people praising God with grateful hearts. What are you thankful for today? How can you express in word or action fitting praise for what God has done in your life?